Japanese grammar
What does ～こととて mean? Japanese grammar N1
～こととて means because of…; since… (asking for pardon/understanding).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 普通形 + こととて N + の + こととて |
| Romaji | kototote |
| Meaning | because of…; since… (asking for pardon/understanding) |
Forming it
| Noun | 不慣れ + な + こととて |
|---|---|
| Verb | 急な + こととて |
How to use it
States a reason within a polite APOLOGY/excuse. Very formal, somewhat archaic.
- 「～こととて」 = because it is A (so please forgive me). Used in polite apologies/excuses.
- The following clause is usually a request for understanding: 「お許しください」, 「ご容赦ください」.
- Very formal and somewhat archaic — often found in correspondence and formal greetings.
Examples
不慣れなこととて、失礼がありましたらお許しください。
As I am still inexperienced, please forgive any discourtesy.
急なこととて、十分な準備ができませんでした。
As it was so sudden, I could not prepare adequately.
Keep in mind
- The following clause is a request for forgiveness.
- Very formal, somewhat archaic.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong明日は試験があることとて、早く寝ます。
Because I have an exam tomorrow, I'm going to bed early.
Correct明日は試験があるので、早く寝ます。
「こととて」 is used in polite APOLOGIES/excuses — not for an everyday reason.
-
Wrong不慣れこととて、お許しください。
As I am still inexperienced, please bear with me.
Correct不慣れなこととて、お許しください。
A na-adjective attaches with 「な」 before 「こととて」.
Exam tips
- 「こととて」 = because it is... (so please forgive me) — a formal apology.